Monthly Archives: July, 2013

This blog had not been set up when Wonder Woman: Earth One was initially announced. Since it is set up now, I thought I would collect all of the information and art previews I could find on this book to be your one-stop source on WW: Earth One!

Teased back in March, officially announced May 10, 2013, Wonder Woman: Earth One will be a new original graphic novel set in the same universe as Superman: Earth One (J. Michael Straczynski and Shane Davis) and Batman: Earth One (Geoff Johns and Gary Frank) written by Grant Morrison with art by Yanick Paquette.

This is some of the most fun I’ve had in a long time, because it’s a completely different type of comic book. Usually I don’t do masses of research, but for Wonder Woman, I’ve actually been working my way through the entire history of feminism. I want this to be f—ing serious, you know? I want this to be really, really good, to reflect not only what women think, but what men think of women. I’m trying to do something really different from what’s been done with the character before. That one’s been amazing fun, because it’s nothing like anything I’ve ever done before.

It’s not a comic about superheroes punching each other. It’s about the sexes and how we feel about one another, and what a society of women cut off from the rest of the world for 3,000 years might look like, and what kind of sexuality, what kind of philosophy, what kind of science would that have developed, and how would that impact our world if it actually suddenly became apparent that these women existed.

We’re also going to deal with the notion of Wonder Woman having a costume, which I think is almost ridiculous. So we’re playing with that a little bit and doing something different from that, which surprisingly nobody has ever done. We’re going to do something with how she looks, which is quite different.

I’m really focusing a lot more on the mother and daughter story in it between Hippolyta and Diana. I want it to be that kind of book, a story about women.

Diana’s a lot more defiant in it and she’s not sent to man’s world — she runs away to it so there’s a very different dynamic between her and Hippolyta, and the entire thing basically takes place around a trial.

I always felt one of the fundamentals of Wonder Woman in at least the last two decades is that she always seems to be on trial, and I don’t mean that in a story sense. Everyone’s always saying, “Why does nobody buy Wonder Woman? Why isn’t she any good?” (Laughs) it seems like she’s always on trial, so I thought if I literalized that and made the story basically the Amazons bringing her back home after her first adventure away and putting her on trial, it’d be different from anything else you might see. The Amazons have their own ways of doing things.

It’s kind of asking Wonder Woman to justify herself, which I feel has almost been what the character’s had to do for a long time.

In the same USAToday Interview, Morrison was asked “We’ve had endless versions of Superman and Batman in media. On the other hand, we’ve had one Wonder Woman show in the 1970s and, more recently, a TV pilot that didn’t get to series. Is the character just that tricky to pull off in an on-screen fashion?” To which he replied:

People have just convinced themselves that that’s true. I know Warner Bros. isn’t particularly keen on launching movies with female leads, and most of the big studios aren’t. It’s just a thing in Hollywood — they have fears about this. They also believe the audience is composed mainly of 18- to 30-year-old men who don’t want to know about women. (Laughs)

There are certain attitudes that have been around for a while and I think people just don’t question them anymore, and things like Wonder Woman always fall prey to it. I think you could have easily made an amazing Wonder Woman film if you had Angelina Jolie in her prime doing it. I think it would have done well, but I don’t know if there’s a big-name actress who can do it now.

The executives just run these things over in their heads and say, “I don’t know if it’s worth putting money into this. It’s not a surefire hit. The boys want to see Batman brooding.” Believe me, that’s what they think: “Boys don’t want to see a bunch of Amazons running around.”

The book doesn’t have a firm release date right now (“sometime”), but is scheduled to be 120 pages.

And now, the fun part… More artwork by Yanick Paquette! Click for larger size:

CoolToyReview.com has a couple of new images of the Wonder Woman – Art of War statue.

DC Collectibles also revealed that is absolutely based on Jim Lee’s designs for Wonder Woman, and that the statue would be 10.5″. Still no official word on price or release date. I’d venture a guess that the price will hover around $125.

With Comic-Con International on Day 2 right now, I’m mildly curious if there will be any Wonder Woman related news. DC tends to use these panels as a way to share and expand on information they’ve previously released on their own terms. Very rarely are there any announcements of any importance. Even more rarely are there announcements about Wonder Woman.

I’m not expecting this year to be any different. DC considers Wonder Woman one of their “Trinity,” but they’ve never shown her the level of respect I feel she deserves. I’m not saying that I expect huge Wonder Woman specific announcements every year. Simply recognizing her as a character in their universe would be nice. How hard is it to say “On Wonder Woman, Brian Azzarello has some great stuff planned for his third year writing the book. We don’t currently have any plans of re-tooling the book and kicking him off.”

DC doesn’t view Wonder Woman as a priority. She’s further down on the list than a lot of B-List characters. I think that is a huge mistake. The truth is Wonder Woman is never doing as well as they think she should be doing. However, with such wildly different portrayals of Diana between books, and almost no advertising, it’s hard to expect people who are not already reading the book to get interested.

If DC were really smart, they’d launch a second Wonder Woman title, Sensation Comics. Like the 25 Bat-titles or 3 or 4 Superman titles, this book could function to get larger visibility for the Amazing Amazon. Sensation could focus on the more typical superhero fare that many people miss about Wonder Woman, while allowing Brian Azzarello to continue his story uninterrupted in Wonder Woman. It would allow for a Wonder Woman title to be included in crossover events, again without interrupting the main title. This book could have more action, more character development, and more typical comic story arcs. It could introduce more of Diana’s villains (where’s Circe?!) and have her take on The Cheetah (introduced in JLA), as well as introduce more of her secondary cast (we know what happened to the Amazons, but Diana hasn’t even paused for a moment to care).

Having Sensation Comics be a secondary Wonder Woman title would also allow for eventual Wonder Woman-centric event books. Think about it. In the last 25 years, Wonder Woman has been the star of two events, War of the Gods in 1991 and Amazons Attack in 2007. War of the Gods was meant to celebrate Wonder Woman’s 50th Anniversary as a comic character. Instead, DC under-advertised (as they usually do), released books late and out of order, didn’t flag some books as tie-ins when they actually were, and generally caused George Perez to grow tired of putting a lot of effort into a character that DC was just going to crap all over. Amazons Attack, as we all remember, is basically just a huge mess, and perpetuated the stereotype that all the Amazons want to do is murder everything. Beyond that, Diana has been involved in events, but never central to them.

DC considers the crossover/event book formula to be a huge success, as evidenced by their intense need to have an event every 20 minutes. Just since the start of the New 52, Batman has already had two major “events.” Superman has had one. Aquaman has had one. Green Lantern has had two. Teen Titans has had one. Animal Man and Swamp Thing have had a major crossover. Justice League Dark has been involved in a crossover with I, Vampire and the major event Trinity War. I know Wonder Woman is present for Trinity War (and Throne of Atlantis), but she is not a major player in either of these stories. And the version of Diana that Geoff Johns is writing is HORRIBLE, but that’s a post for another day.

I don’t want the main Wonder Woman title to be shoe-horned into an event where she doesn’t belong. I think, for the most part, Azzarello is crafting a strong story in his book. A large part of why he’s able to do that is because he’s being left alone to do it. But if DC really believes these events and crossovers help character and brand visibility, it’s really telling that they don’t even bother attempting to create one for Wonder Woman.

But, as we all know, Wonder Woman is not a priority for DC.

Okay. So this rant came out of nowhere, but since it’s how I feel, I won’t delete it. What do you think?

“After the shocking events of issue #23, Wonder Woman’s life has changed forever…but what if she refuses to walk the path the gods—and her mentor—have laid out for her? A strange new era of WONDER WOMAN begins here!”

Of course, the thing I am most excited for: Wonder Woman! This issue is being billed as the beginning of “a strange new era of Wonder Woman!” Not entirely sure what that means, but the cover image certainly lends a few clues.

Sudzuka is a better fill in artist than Tony Akins (whose art I find terrible), but I still wish Cliff Chiang had it in him to do the art for the entire series. Still, this cover implies there are some great things in store for Wonder Woman, following the end of Brian Azzarello’s second year on the book.

Superman/Wonder Woman #01

Written by Charles Soule
Art by Tony S. Daniel and Batt
Cover by Tony S. Daniel

Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favorite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it—and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!

This is a book I’m a little on the fence about. Don’t get me wrong, I will buy it. Seeing Wonder Woman in multiple titles every month is awesome. But I’m trepidatious. I’m not completely sold on the relationship between Diana and Clark, largely because it has been under-explored (shown repeatedly, but not truly developed). This book is certainly the chance for DC to do that, while also giving Wonder Woman fans a more action oriented book every month.

Written by Charles Soule, with whom I have very little experience (largely because he has not written that many comics). I’m okay with this choice because I don’t have a bias going into the book. Someone new can give some fresh insight into these characters.

On top of these, we also have Justice League #24. As it is aftermath of the Trinity War, the solicitations are very sparse, with very little info and placeholder images. Whether or not Diana will actually even be in Justice League #24, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Alternate Universes

Justice League 3000 #01

Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art and cover by Kevin Maguire

Don’t miss the debut of the new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow! But what are they doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a double dose of wonder as only the stellar creative team of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire can deliver!

I am really looking forward to this book. I love these future/alternate reality takes on characters that I love. And look at Diana! Her lasso has become a mace? Is that even the same Diana we’re used to? Who are these people? Why do they come together? So many questions!

Smallville Season 11 #18

Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Cat Staggs

Diana’s mysterious past may hold the key to helping Superman stop Faust in the present—but the warlock isn’t working alone! Enter Hades, Lord of the Underworld! “Olympus” continues in part 3 of 4.

Not only is Smallville introducing their version of Wonder Woman, but now they’re adding their version of Hades?! Sold. I think Bryan Q. Miller is a very talented writer, so I look forward to his take on my favorite character: Wonder Woman!

Other Stuff

In October, DC will release “DCE Essentials” $1 reprints of some popular issues, including the New 52 Wonder Woman #01.

DC also resolicited the Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe Omnibus HC, which includes his take on Wonder Woman. The book has been rescheduled for December, with a price of $75. December will also bring a Villain’s Month Omnibus hardcover, which will feature Wonder Woman 23.1 and 23.2, the villain issues focusing on The Cheetah and the First Born. I imagine these issues will also be collected in Wonder Woman collections next year, for those that don’t want to shell out $150 for this omnibus of mostly unrelated issues.

That’s it for Wonder Woman in October. I’m really hoping that Superman/Wonder Woman will be good, so we finally have a second Wonder Woman-focused title.

DC has released two preview clips from their Wonder Woman animated short, part of their DC Nation animation block, written and directed by Robert Valley. It’s a very 70’s inspired take on the character. And I’m really digging it!

I’m really looking forward to seeing this animated short in its entirety. I wonder if DC will ever release the DC Nation Shorts on DVD/blu-ray disc? I’d love to see all of them, especially the Amethyst and Catwoman shorts!

As they did in 2011 and 2012, DC will be filling September with specialty titles. In September 2011, they started the New 52 with brand new #1s. In September 2012, they did Zero Month, with every title getting an issue #0. In September 2013, DC is celebrating with Villain’s Month. Unlike the Zero Month, not every title is getting a villain-focused issue, and some titles will be getting more than one. And, all of the villain issues will feature 3-D motion covers.

What does that mean for Wonder Woman? It means there is no telling how much we’ll actually get to see her (if at all). DC will be launching the first of a new seven-issue mini-series event (the second Trinity War ends, shocker), titled Forever Evil.

Good news, though: Two issues of Wonder Woman in September!

Wonder Woman #23.1 – The Cheetah

Written by John Ostrander
Art and cover by Victor Ibanez

The Cheetah has clawed her way out of Belle Reve, and is hungry for blood—but before she steps up as one of the Secret Society’s most powerful generals, she has a personal score to settle! Learn the truth about the cult of Hippolyta, her vendetta against Wonder Woman, and just how far she’ll go to prove that she’s the most dangerous predator on Earth!

Wonder Woman #23.3 – First Born

Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Aco
Cover by Victor Ibanez

The First Born son of Zeus—Wonder Woman’s oldest brother—has returned to claim the throne of Olympus! But it’s been a long and bloody road to reach his destiny…and you won’t believe the horror when you meet the rest of Wonder Woman’s extended “family”!

We’ll get to see Wonder Woman deal personally with The Cheetah (and written by someone who may be able to write Wonder Woman as the compassionate, thoughtful woman she is, rather than an angry, ragebeast like Geoff Johns writes her). And, we also get to learn more about the First Born, which ties in more directly with the story being told in Wonder Woman’s solo title. Hey, any month where we get TWO issues of Wonder Woman is a good month in my opinion. (Of course, Batman has like 40 titles coming out that month…)

Alternate Universes

Two alternate tales coming out. First is Ame-Comi Girls #07. Not sure how heavily Diana may or may not be featured in the issues, but she has been a central character. On top of that, the series is actually surprisingly good, with an interesting and well-crafted story by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. Give it a shot! It’s already been cancelled.

In addition, we get the second part of Smallville Season 11‘s introductory Wonder Woman story in issue #17. From the official solicitation text:

Superman and new ally Diana race to stop magickal terrorist Felix Faust from launching an attack on the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, Lois launches an attack of her own by digging into the shadowy connection between Faust and the new Department of Extra-Normal Operations.

Other Stuff

Not a lot of “other stuff” detailed in September’s solicitations. In November, we get a hardcover collection of Injustice: Gods Among Us issues #01-06, which heavily feature some alternate world versions of Wonder Woman, including an awesome moment where she headbutts a tank. November will also see the release of Superman: H’El on Earth in hardcover. While she is by no means a major character in this story, Diana does have some choice moments. And I absolutely love the way Kenneth Rocafort draws practically anything. In October, a trade paperback version of Earth-2 Volume 01 – The Gathering will be released, which also features an alternate world version of Wonder Woman.

DC is also releasing a hardcover collection celebrating 75 years of Lois Lane in November. This collection will include Wonder Woman v2 #170, written by Phil Jimenez. In this issue, Lois spends a day trying to get into the mind of Diana, to write a big story about her. The story has previously been collected in both Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told trade, as well as the Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost trade.

And that’s it for September. Two Wonder Woman issues, but not a lot else.

Not sure what this is or when it’s coming out, exactly. But the official Wonder Woman Facebook page just posted this image with “Check out this first entry in the new Wonder Woman Art of War line of statues from DC Collectibles.”

A quick search of DC Collectibles site revealed nothing. However, the posting says “first entry in a new Wonder Woman Art of War line,” implying that there will be more in this series.

I’m really digging this statue. A nice mix of Jim Lee’s “Superman: For Tomorrow” Wonder Woman with a dash of silver age to it.